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Part 3: Interview Etiquette

Hey! Welcome back to Public Kayfabe, your one-stop shop on how to land and execute top interviews with wrestling’s elite.

To recap last week’s installment, you began prepping the types of questions to ask during your interview, what topics to avoid and you have freaked out twice already in this process!

You also were probably left wondering how you were going to keep your composure and focus during the interview, right?  Well fear not, because today’s lesson will be the first of two parts on the etiquette techniques you need to execute a flawless interview.

The Ultimate Warrior (right) and I after his Frank & Sons Collectibles signing, in the City of Industry, CA. – November 2012. | Photo by: Marlene Valdes

Prior to your big day, confirm the date, venue and time with your subject.  I know, that should be a given, right?  However, you would be amazed by how many people book an interview and show up late, they go to the wrong location, all for having it marked wrong on their calendar.  Confirming your details prevents any hiccups and is incredibly professional.

OK, it’s interview day!  Now let’s peek at your wardrobe.  Are we lookin’ fresh or are we feelin’ frumpy?  For a casual in-person interview, a go-to outfit is a nice pair of jeans, a sensible pair of shoes, a dressy type of plain t-shirt and blazer over that.  You want to look to professional, but still be able to acclimate to the casual conversation you want to have with your subject.  Do NOT, I repeat – DO NOT show up in the wrestler’s merchandise and/or with a replica championship belt on.  Yes, you can be a fan, but you’re a professional first.  Once you’re dressed, look in the mirror and ask yourself; “Are you ready?”  With that, grab your notepad, your pen and hit the road! 

“Stone Cold” Steve Austin celebrates in the center of the ring, with a capacity crowd at WrestleMania 25, near the press box at Reliant Stadium in Houston, TX. – April 5, 2009. | Photo by: Brandi Garcia-Valdes

By now you’re probably starting to become a little anxious.  Breathe!  Everything you’re experiencing is natural.  The nervousness you have means you’re excited for this opportunity and understand the significance of what you’re about to do.  However, all those freak outs need to be at home or in the car on the way to your interview.  There’s an old saying in the wrestling business that goes; “Act like you’ve been here before,” which means to act natural and be professional.

Now that you’re prepped, primed and ready to go; arrive 15 minutes early to the venue and grab a seat.  Once they arrive make sure to greet your subject with a firm handshake and eye contact.  OK kid, it’s showtime!

Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia (right) and I, after our interview in Los Angeles, CA. – September 2007. | Photo by: Marlene Valdes

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Nice to meet you, I’m Brandi!

I run the show ’round here!

Sporting my “Hot Rod” shirt in-ring, to honor wrestling legend Roddy Piper; my biggest interview landed and favorite legend. | Photo by: Andrew Vazquez

You’re probably thinking; “Who is this woman, and why do I care about her blog?“

Well, I’m glad you asked! My name is Brandi Garcia-Valdes, and I am a public relations practitioner with over a decade of experience working in the sports entertainment business, primarily focused on the southern California region.

“Cool story and fancy words there, Toots. How does that make you an expert?“

Well, I am a trained journalist, who has several years of experience working in a newsroom. I used my reporting persuasion techniques and relative experience in the wrestling business to land some of the greatest names in sports-entertainment history, to sit down with me for on-the-record interviews. The method and thought process to my madness is what I’m going to show you throughout this blog.

“So, you worked in a WWE/AEW type of wrestling shows?!”

I have indeed! My wrestling career began in April 2010, working as an intern for Empire Wrestling Federation (EWF), based out of San Bernardino.  I worked my way up from picking up ring gear, to producing my own column, where I gave results of every show, and various backstage interviews with local talent.  My work with EWF led to two other opportunities working with Wrestling Cares Association (WCA) as a Public Relations Coordinator in Gardena, and a production staff member with Alternative Wrestling Show (AWS), in South Gate.

“Wow. OK, so what’s your personal background? Have you always loved this stuff?”

My love for professional wrestling started long before I was born, when my great-grandfather used to work at the Tampa, FL armories as a facilities manager in the 1970’s. He would take my mom and uncle with him to watch the live shows, and they were hooked from the start!  That passion was passed down to me when I was in diapers.  If the television had wrestling on, there was a 100% chance you would catch my toddler-aged self, running around the house like a maniac. Screaming at the top of my lungs that Roddy Piper and Bret Hart were on TV and telling my family to come watch the broadcast with me.

“A family history, nice! So, what made you want to start interviewing wrestlers, and why do you want to give up the tricks of your trade?”

I decided in January 2010 that I was going to evolve my passion and love for wrestling into a professional career.  Naturally curious, I wanted to see the nitty and gritty road to success, that performers face when “chasing the brass ring”.  This usually consists of a signed contract to a major promotion like WWE, Ring of Honor (ROH), New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Interviewing these athletes allowed me a deeper look into the journey before, during, and after they hit the big time. These moments away from the bright lights, and outside the squared circle; where you can see the emotions run through these performer’s eyes, is incredible.  The sincerity and authenticity that comes often with these conversations, result in a camaraderie with your heroes.  If I can pass on my knowledge for more of these conversations and connections to happen, I think the world could be a better and more relatable place.